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1118/07-Football
Eaglets ride running game into the finals
By KEN PACZAS/Special to The Oakland Press
SOUTH LYON--The first eight minutes of a football game is crucial in determining who holds momentum. Often the team, that takes advantage early, wins the game. Orchard Lake St. Mary's forced a fumble, got an interception and scored three touchdowns in the first eight minutes to take full control over East Lansing. The Eaglets rode the momentum to defeat the Trojans 49-21, and advance to the Division 3 state championship.
St. Mary's used a balanced running attack to keep the Trojans guessing. Sam Fioroni opened up the scoring for the Eaglets, scoring on a 46-yard touchdown run.
After Dominique White intercepted Cameron Bruce, Robert Bolden capped off an eight-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to put the Eaglets up 14-0.
"We can't change what we do," St. Mary's head coach George Porritt said. "We want to run the ball. We have a couple of backs that can make things happen and today they made some plays."
St. Mary's built its lead to 28-0 before East Lansing was finally able to get going when Bruce connected with Wes Dolen for 44 yards.
Two plays later, Eric Couthen punched it in fron 1 yard out to put the score at 28-7 at the half.
Trojan star running back Isaac Harper was held to only 22 yards in the first half, well below his season average.
"Stopping Harper was a key," Porritt said. "He's the type of back who is a special type of player. Our defensive ends did a great job of keying on him and not allowing him to make a big play."
The second half was much of the same for the Eaglets, as they rushed for three more scores to break the game wide open. Fioroni ran in from 1 yard out while White ran in from five yards. Backup Rodney Woodland ran 37 yards for the final score for St. Mary's.
"Each game we want to get better," Porritt said. "Today we got better. Now we have one more good week of practice left and let's see if we can get even better."
White finished the game with 151 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
Fioroni finished with 96 yards and two touchdowns as well in the win.
The Eaglets now go to Ford Field to do battle with East Grand Rapids in the championship game. St. Mary's is looking to win their first state title in seven years.
"Our boys should be happy to have a chance to practice on Thanksgiving," Porritt said. "We have had some good teams in recent years but I feel like this team could be the best. They are making the most of their ability and this next week should be exciting for all of us."
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